Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Rock Hill, SC

Held over Memorial Day weekend, this race is longest one in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the largest oval-track auto...

Held over Memorial Day weekend, this race is longest one in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the largest oval-track auto race in the world. The 600 revs up at 5:30pm and usually doesn't see the checkered flag until 10pm or so. NASCAR's famous drivers will all be here for Memorial Day!

Hours: Sun, May 26, 2013: 5:30pm

Panthers' games rally the crowds of Charlotte like nothing else. Ever since making it to the Superbowl in 2004, these...

Panthers' games rally the crowds of Charlotte like nothing else. Ever since making it to the Superbowl in 2004, these guys have been in the spotlight, and fans are eagerly anticipating their next season. Before and after the game, tailgating parties are as much a part of Charlotte's culture as barbecue. So, paint your face black and blue, if you dare, and come join them for a home game at Bank of America Stadium!

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Sat, Aug 11, 2012 Fri, Aug 17, 2012 Sat, Sep 8, 2012 Sun, Sep 16, 2012 Thu, Sep 20, 2012 Sun, Oct 7, 2012 Sun, Oct 21, 2012 Sun, Nov 11, 2012 Sun, Nov 18, 2012 Sun, Dec 9, 2012 Sun, Dec 23, 2012

One of the PGA's top tournaments, the Wells Fargo Championship puts Charlotte in the national eye and raises over 5.6...

One of the PGA's top tournaments, the Wells Fargo Championship puts Charlotte in the national eye and raises over 5.6 million dollars for charity each year. Winners in past years include the likes of Tiger Woods, Lucas Glover, Anthony Kim, Rickie Fowler, and Rory McIlroy. Tickets will be available in mid-November.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Mon, Apr 29, 2013 Tue, Apr 30, 2013 Wed, May 1, 2013 Thu, May 2, 2013 Fri, May 3, 2013 Sat, May 4, 2013 Sun, May 5, 2013

Pack a picnic, a bottle of wine, and comfortable lounge chairs, and unwind with the Charlotte Symphony on a sublime...

Pack a picnic, a bottle of wine, and comfortable lounge chairs, and unwind with the Charlotte Symphony on a sublime Sunday evening before the workweek begins. A summer staple since the early '90s, the music series has devoted past performances to Broadway, Father's Day, and Fourth of July numbers. Get there early to set up your blanket, and then shop at nearby SouthPark Mall until the music begins -- it gets more crowded each year.

Hours: Sun, Jun 16, 2013

While 24 hours on a bike may not sound like a good time, participants who complete the task come away with a great sense...

While 24 hours on a bike may not sound like a good time, participants who complete the task come away with a great sense of accomplishment. The ride is an official event of the Livestrong Foundation and is a fundraiser for cancer charities since 2002. Its name is taken from the 3-mile \\\"booty loop\\\" frequented by runners (named because you see most of them from behind) that cyclists cover for this endeavor. The route covers Queens Road East, Queens Road West, and Hopedale Road.

Hours: Fri, Jul 26, 2013 Sat, Jul 27, 2013

At this, one of the year's most posh events, you can channel your high-society desires and cheer the beautiful racing...

At this, one of the year's most posh events, you can channel your high-society desires and cheer the beautiful racing stallions from a lawn box right next to the track. Sure, such luxurious digs will set you back a bit, but they do include an open bar and meals. In addition, you can don your most creative hat and try to win the Morrison Smith Hat Contest or lay out a gourmet spread for the Annual Tailgating competition. In the end, it's all just a little "country affair" on 300-acre Brooklandwood. Yes, cheaper tickets are available for regular folks.

Hours: Sat, Apr 27, 2013: 10am

This three-day festival remembers the days when every city had a real park to bring residents together. Handcrafted...

This three-day festival remembers the days when every city had a real park to bring residents together. Handcrafted collectibles, world-class art displays, and delicious fair food provide all the incentive people need to plan their schedules around the long weekend. Parking will likely be any space you can find in the area -- enjoy the walk in, because it'll be a long one.

Hours: Fri, Sep 20, 2013: 4pm - 9:30pm Sat, Sep 21, 2013: 10am - 9:30pm Sun, Sep 22, 2013: 11am - 6pm

For many Charlotte foodies, Yiasou ranks as the city's top festival. The Greek women of Holy Trinity start six months in...

For many Charlotte foodies, Yiasou ranks as the city's top festival. The Greek women of Holy Trinity start six months in advance preparing baklava, spanakopita, gyros, souvlaki, pita bread, and pastries, readying them for crowds of thousands to devour. An outdoor "drive-through" and "pick-up" station have even been installed to handle the great demand for these Greek delicacies. Art, entertainment, and crafts are available at the much-anticipated festival too, and a children's play land offers rides and activities.

Hours: September 2013

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! This event takes place in May, and it's all about NASCAR. The activities...

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! This event takes place in May, and it's all about NASCAR. The activities surrounding the races include parades, concerts by big name acts like Kellie Pickler and Travis Tritt, and racing fans from all over the country. Plan ahead for this event!

Hours: May 2013

It may not have the reputation of the ice rink at NYC's Rockefeller Center, but Charlotte's one-and-only outdoor skating...

It may not have the reputation of the ice rink at NYC's Rockefeller Center, but Charlotte's one-and-only outdoor skating rink has got it going on during the winter months. You'll forget that there isn't even any snow on the ground while you skate amid Uptown's towering skyscrapers. Afterwards, warm up with hot cocoa and a triple chocolate brownie at nearby Dean & DeLuca on South Tryon.

Hours: Wed, Dec 19, 2012 Thu, Dec 20, 2012 Fri, Dec 21, 2012 Sat, Dec 22, 2012 Sun, Dec 23, 2012 Mon, Dec 24, 2012 Tue, Dec 25, 2012 Wed, Dec 26, 2012 Thu, Dec 27, 2012 Fri, Dec 28, 2012 Sat, Dec 29, 2012 Sun, Dec 30, 2012 Mon, Dec 31, 2012 Tue, Jan 1, 2013 Wed, Jan 2, 2013 Thu, Jan 3, 2013 Fri, Jan 4, 2013 Sat, Jan 5, 2013 Sun, Jan 6, 2013